In Portugal there is a complex legislation that applies to this kind of situation and there are two mains Bodies responsible for all issues concerning this project, the Town Hall and the Board of Tourism.

 

It is a fact that the legislation is very demanding on this aspect, mainly regarding the issue of licenses and inspection. I believe there are some aspects which should be changed regarding all the bureaucratic aspects that have to be carried out but sometimes it is difficult to change things in a short period. Personally I do not believe that there are lobby's in Lisbon that make pressure regarding the license or Tourist exploration.

 

The main target of this kind of tourism is very different from the targets of the hotels. I also believe that people when they buy houses for tourist exploration must be certain that everything is in order and that the proper licenses have been issued.

 

They also have to be aware that as the purpose of the project is for tourism certain conditions are imposed such as furniture, signs, a front desk, many facilities such as swimming pools, gardens, etc, must be in order and functioning properly. People must understand that the houses will be occupied by others who will pay for it and they will receive an income.

 

Buying a house for tourist exploration has its implications. Regarding the aspect that is referred to on plans of the houses being redrawn and so on, that is something which applies in every situation, even in private buildings, for example changes that are required in order to protect disabled people or new legislation that imposes new rules because of safety reasons. We recently had legislation that imposed changes in all the elevators of a certain age. People must also be aware that if they do not keep things working in obedience with the law fines will be apply.

 

People must also be aware that they have to participate in the expenses that a tourism project implies because as stated before all the facilities that are given must in order to be used.
Tom McGrath, of Tom McGrath & Associates is our Resident Legal Expert and can be contacted at: info@tmsolicitors.ie